Layer Blending Modes in Photoshop

Blending modes allow you to blend the active layer with the layers below. In Photoshop CS6 you can find 27 different blend modes. We can always experiment with different blend modes but we can’t predict the final result with accuracy. In this article, we’ll learn the most commonly used blend modes, descriptions of each mode and the keyboard shortcuts.

Layer Blending Modes in Adobe Photoshop

Blending mode groups and descriptions

First lets see how to separate blend modes in separate groups. We can save time by knowing the possible result.

Normal
This is the default mode and there is no visible effect applied.

Dissolve
Random replacement of the pixel depending on the opacity. Photoshop takes those pixels and displays them, randomly. In a similar way to a speckled effect

Darken
Compares the color information for each pixel and replaces pixels lighter than the blend color. Pixels darker than the blend color are not affected.

Multiply
Multiplies pixels of the top layer with the corresponding pixels of the bottom layer. The result is always a darker picture. Also, Multiplying any color with black produces black. MultIply blend mode is very commonly used.

Color Burn
This blend mode darkens the top layer by increasing the contrast. Blending with white produces no visible effect.

Linear Burn
Similar to color burn but instead of increasing contrast, linear burn decreases the brightness to darken the base color. Also, blending with white color produces no change.